Match book



Oct. 10,1939. J. P. ROSELLO MATCH BOOK Filed Nov. 12, 1937 INVENTOR M04 P 05551.40

ATTOR N EY Patented Get. 10, 1939 UNITED STATES i A'TENT OFFICE MATCH BOOK Juan P. Rosell, Sunnyside, Long Island, N. Y. Application November 12, 1937, Serial No. 174,141

1 Claim.

This invention relates to match packets, and especially to the type Sometimes called book matches.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a match packet which is safe to handle,

fool-proof in use, and economical to manufacture.

The common type of match packet is actually constructed in the form of a book which must be opened to obtain access to the matches. The

match striking surface, however, is exposed for use at all times and hence the user often neglects to close the book after extracting a match and during striking thereof upon the striking surface. Thus, flying sparks from the match frequently ignite the remaining matches in the packet with resultant bad burns of the hand of the user.

The invention, therefore, contemplates the provision of a match packet wherein the match striking surface is unavailable for use until the remaining matches in the packet are covered or at least shielded from flying sparks by portions of the packet.

The invention also contemplates a match packet which is substantially flat and of proportions suitable for being conveniently carried in pockets, handbags, and the like, and which may be also constructed with means to provide a pedestal whereby the packet may be suitably supported in a table, as in restaurants, cafs, etc.

With the foregoing and many other objects, features, and advantages in mind, the invention may be realized in several forms of its embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawing which is intended as exemplary only, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a match packet as herein contemplated and in closed condition.

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the matches exposed for extraction, and portions of the packet serving as a shield between the packet matches and the match striking surface.

Fig. 3 is an edge view showing the manner of completely covering the striking surface during exposure of the matches in the packet.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a preferred manner of providing a pedestal support for the 50 match packet.

Fig. 5 is a plan of the unfolded blank from which the device of Fig. 4 is made.

Referring to the drawing in greater detail, the packet is provided with a pack of matches 5 55 which may be made in the usual manner in the form of a comb, the matches being the tines thereof.

The packet cover 6, preferably made of paper is formed as an inverted U, the sides of the cover comprising the portions 1, connected at the top 15 of the packet by narrow web portions 8 to leave a slot 9.

The cover is preferably secured to the matches as by means of the wire staple H] which passes through the matches and through the both sides I0 1 of the cover 6.

From the foregoing it may be seen that the matches 5 are effectively covered during the flat condition of the packet as shown in Fig. 1.

In order to expose the matches for removal 15 thereof, the packet cover sides I are provided with creases or score marks ll, l2 and I3 which divide each side of the packet into the panels l4, l5, and 16, the panels l4 being contiguous with the web portions 8, the panels [6 being those 20 through which the staple I0 passes, and the panels I5 each connecting its contiguous panels l4 and IS.

The width of the cover is somewhat greater than the width of the match combs to leave the 25 slot 9 adapted to have the matches protrude therethrough when the webs B or any top portion of the packet is pressed towards the packet portion provided with the match striking surface 11. 30

As shown in Fig. 2, the packet cover has been pushed to expose the matches 5, the panels I4 and 15 being disposed at substantially right angles to their initial position so as to overstand the striking surfaces l1. Now, when a match is 35 extracted from the pack and struck upon either of said striking surfaces, flying sparks are effectively intercepted by the shield thus formed by the panels I4 and I5, and inadvertent ignition of the match pack is obviated. The panels I4 40 and [5 also form a wind breaker to shield the lighted match when the packet is being used outdoors, under windy and gusty conditions.

As shown in Fig. 3, the panels l4 and [5 may be brought down into substantially parallel and 45 contiguous relation with the striking surfaces, to completely cover said surfaces during extraction of a match from the match pack. When these panels are released, they will naturally spring back towards their initial straight condition and since the most convenient place for grasping the packet when striking a match is at an area in which is disposed the score line 12, the side walls of the packet will effectively cover the matches during the striking of the extracted 5 match upon the now exposed striking surfaces IT.

From the above it may be seen that the striking surfaces of the packet are available for use only when the remaining matches in the match pack are covered or shielded from flying sparks of the match being ignited; that the exposing of the matches of the packet for extraction of one therefrom is a quite simple operation favorably comparable with the similar function of present match books; and that the closing of the packet is a still more simple operation than in present packets.

While the foregoing is descriptive of match packets adapted to be carried in pockets, handbags and the like, the invention lends itself to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 wherein the packet E is formed as above described but integrally provided with a pedestal 20.

As illustrated, one side wall 1 is doubled over at the top to form the side wall 1 the wall I being formed integrally with the base wall 2 I, and the lower end of the wall l being tucked behind the panel 8 forming an integral extension of the base wall 22. The pedestal supporting walls 23 and 24, forming continuation respectively of the base walls 25 and 22, are integrally joined at 25, a slot 26 being provided for the protrusion therethrough of the match packet 6. The wall l is preferably provided with shoulders 2'! acting as abutments against which the joint 25 of the support walls 23 and 24 rests. The staple l6 may be used as previously described.

In use, the walls I and 1 are bent as previously described, utimately coming to rest upon the support walls 24 and 23 respectively, and effectively covering the striking surfaces I1 on the wall I and on the panel I 6 Thus, a match extracted from the pack may not be ignited until said walls l and 1 are restored to their initial 5 straightened condition to expose the striking surfaces Il i Obviously, the exposed surfaces of the cover may bear advertising matter, ornamentations, or the like.

From the foregoing it may be seen that a simple and eflicient match packet has been provided for the purposes intended. However, despite the simplicity of the construction, variations by skilled persons may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For this reason the prior art rather than the instant specific disclosure shown, form the basis of interpretation of the following claim.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by 2 Letters Patent, is:

A self-supported match packet, comprising a sheet provided with score lines adapting said sheet to be folded to form a base portion, two coacting article-holding portions, a pad of matches 2 positioned between the latter two portions, one of said portions being extended to form a flap adapted to cover said match pad, said fiap comprising side walls and a connecting top wall having a slot, each of said side walls being provided with fold lines to form panels, the mentioned fold lines adapting said packet to be folded to expose said pad of matches.

JUAN P. RosELLo. 

